BAMA Begins Distribution of Infant Warmers to Strengthen Newborn Care in Health Facilities
Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), through a new partnership with Embrace Global, has commenced the distribution of Embrace Infant Warmers to health facilities to strengthen care for premature and low-birth-weight newborns.
Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), through a new partnership with Embrace Global, has commenced the distribution of Embrace Infant Warmers to health facilities to strengthen care for premature and low-birth-weight newborns.
BAMA has distributed 54 warmers to 10 health facilities, including Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Rakai and Kalisizo General Hospitals, and Kiyumba, Bukulula, Kyanamukaka, Kakuto, Butenga, Ntusi and Ssembabule Health Center IVs.
Each Health Center IV received five warmers, while Masaka Regional Referral Hospital received seven and Rakai and Kalisizo General Hospitals received six each.
The Embrace Infant Warmer is a portable, reusable device designed to help prevent hypothermia in premature and low-birth-weight babies. It consists of an electric heater, a reusable warm pack with a temperature indicator and a specially designed baby wrap. Once heated, the warm pack helps maintain the baby's body temperature without requiring a continuous electricity supply.
At Butenga Health Center IV in Bukomansimbi District, BAMA's Continuous Quality Improvement Mentor Midwife, Vivian Nanyunja Naava, handed over the warmers and trained health workers on their use.
Dr. Posiano Mwebe, Medical Superintendent and In-Charge of Butenga Health Center IV, received the equipment alongside Cissy Namuddu, a newborn care provider at the facility. Bukomansimbi District Health Officer Dr. Joseph Ssuuna also witnessed the handover.
Following the training, Dr. Mwebe demonstrated the warmer to mothers whose babies were receiving care in the facility's Newborn Special Care Unit, explaining how the equipment would help health workers maintain appropriate body temperatures for newborns requiring additional warmth.
The distribution marks the beginning of BAMA's work with Embrace Global to introduce the infant warmers into its newborn care programs, alongside training and support for health workers caring for vulnerable newborns.
